Health Ministry Invites Public to Collaborate to Prevent Suicides

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Director of Prevention and Control of Mental Health and Drug Problems (P2MKJN) at the Ministry of Health Dr. Celestinus Eigya Munthe, Sp.KJ, M.Kes invited the public to collaborate in building a mental health system to prevent suicides.

In connection with the commemoration of World Suicide Prevention Day, which falls on September 10, he noted that suicide is a serious problem throughout the world. Also, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to an increase in mental health problems.

"We are obliged to strengthen mental health, welfare in the community together by collaborating between the community, government and the private sector, as well as non-governmental organizations and professional organizations, to build a good mental health system jointly," he said.

Munthe noted at the "World Suicide Prevention Day" webinar on Saturday that suicide is always associated with mental health or mental health problems.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death in the 15-29 year age group.

According to WHO, one person dies every 40 seconds from suicide, or 800,000 people every year.

Police data in Indonesia showed that in 2020 it was reported there were 671 people who committed suicide. While Statistics Indonesia in 2020 noted that there were a total of 5,787 suicides and attempted suicides.

"Of course this number is not just a number, but is part of our overall mental health problem. In the SDGs, it specifically stated that mental health indicators are efforts to reduce suicide rates," Munthe said.

The cause of suicide is believed to result from the interaction of several factors, such as biology, genetics, psychology, and social and cultural problems. Therefore, he said there is a need for a special program for suicide prevention.

"We really need to pay attention to the issue of mental resilience, for children and adolescents, as well as young adults, especially during this pandemic, because there is tremendous pressure and it causes social changes," he remarked.

Read: Attempting Suicide; Wisma Atlet Covid-19 Patient Undergoes Psychiatric Evaluation

ANTARA